Then imagine that little boy thrust into the midst of the largest, most horrific genocide in modern history that would claim more than 800,000 victims in Rwanda. Including that young boy's parents and family members.
That is the story of Corneille, named one of the "hottest new stars" for 2009 by the New York Daily News. Having sold out arenas in other parts of the world, Corneille is making his debut in America with his new CD, The Birth of Cornelius.
"When I think of America," Corneille said, "the first thing that comes to my mind is the sense that I might feel understood for the first time. It might sound a little odd, but I look at America, and I see so much of who I am."
And you are going to love just who he is! Corneille cites Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and original Motown music as his influences. Motown is what definitely comes to mind when I listen to his CD, and the timing is perfect as it is the 50th anniversary of Motown Records.
So just how does one overcome the adversity that Corneille has had to face and go on to make such incredible music? "Music has been the place where I could go to hide and forget about the world," he said. "I couldn't make sense of a majority of the things that happened to me, so I used music as a shield."
Amazing.
I love playing his CD at night, when I need to unwind and relax. His songs are so soothing and are a wonderful escape from everday stress.
My favorite tracks are "Back to Life" (has a very "groovy" feel to it), "Man of the World" (seductive sound), "Too Much of Everything" (my favorite of all and a good one to dance to with your sweetheart), and "Heaven" (so romantic).
But the most powerful track on the CD, in my opinion, is "I'll Never Call You Home Again." You can tell that this song came from the depths of Corneille's heart and is the result of all the pain he endured in Rwanda.
With lyrics like...
"Last time I saw you, you were stripping me of anyone and anything that was mine. That's how I remember you. That's how I remember you. So please forgive me if I never call you home again."...you can't help but be moved to your core.
To learn more about Corneille and his CD, The Birth of Cornelius, and/or to purchase the CD, click here.
Thanks to Music Moms and Corneille, TWO lucky readers will each win one copy of The Birth of Cornelius.
To enter, simply leave a comment on this post letting me know why you'd love to win. Be sure that there is an email address for you that I can find, or your entry will have to be disqualified.
By entering, you automatically agree to all the rules and disclaimers listed here.
Only one entry per person allowed, but you can receive bonus entries by doing one or all of the following (one bonus entry for each step...if you've already done one of the steps in the past, please still leave a separate comment so that I can count it toward this giveaway):
~Twitter with a link to this post. Then leave a separate comment here with your Twitter link.
~Blog about this contest with a link to this post and to Corneille. Then leave a separate comment here with the link to your post.
~Follow this blog. Simply click on "Follow this blog" found near the top of the sidebar to the right (under "The Blonde"). Then, leave a separate comment letting me know you are following.
~Post the button below on your blog and then leave a separate comment here letting me know it's posted and where. Here's the code for the button:
~Subscribe to So a Blonde Walks Into a Review's newsletter (found in the sidebar under "subscribe"). Then leave a separate comment here letting me know you've subscribed.
Deadline to enter is 11:59 EST, Tuesday, April 7, 2009. Winner will be selected at random using Random.org. Good luck!
32 comments
i just think this is wonderful mverno@roadrunner.com
I'd love to win because I listened to him on his website, and he sounds quite good.
I would love to win because my Mom loves him.
meredycat*lycos*com
follower.
meredycat*lycos*com
I'm so interested in this album!
I'm so interested in it I tweeted!
http://twitter.com/whall/statuses/1387646894
I'd like it because it's soothing
I like the music and hope I win the prize
I like his music style.
I like his music style.
i love listening to new music - would love to win
i have your button at blogmania
I am a subscriber
Wonderful site.
ktgonyea at gmail.com
He's a wonderful new star from Motown Records with an interesting background. Please accept my entry. Thank you.
He' refreshing, he's new and he has a new sound. Thanks.
I follow you on Google.
I would love to win because I
ve heard some of his music and it's just awesome.
farrell@crosslake.net
Terrific
Great music, great contest!
i've heard great things about corneille
I love all kinds of music and winning this would be great!
I heard one of his songs over the internet last week and fell in love with his beautiful voice. He's been through so much in his young life and his voice is full of passion.
Thanks much for the nice giveaway.
I follow your blog.
This would be the PERFECT CD to listen to after a long, full day of getting the kids ready for school, working 8-5 outside the house, making dinner, helping with homework, doing laundry and cleaning the house (which pretty much sums up my daily routine!). Thanks for the opportunity!
I'm always on the hunt for new and interesting music.
I would like to win because this CD sounds very interesting.
I like his voice.
donna444444@yahoo.com
I am a follower.
donna444444@yahoo.com
I put your button on my blog.
donna444444@yahoo.com
I'd love to win because I love the samples I listened to and because the music speaks to the social activist in me. Thanks!
lmarston(at)yahoo(dot)com
I subscribed to your newsletter. Thanks!
lmarston(at)yahoo(dot)com
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